 Since
the 10th century, Ubon Ratchathani, or simply Ubon,
was part of the Khmer Empire until the Ayutthaya Kingdom
later conquered it. Towards the end of the 18th century,
Laotians immigrated to the northern banks of the Mun River
and founded the provincial capital. The Laotian influence
is evident in the architectural structures of some of
the city’s religious buildings. During the Vietnam War,
Ubon encountered an expansive growth due to its proximity
to an American air base.
Today, the province is the largest
and one of the most important provinces in northeastern
Thailand. It is a major tourist attraction of the lower
I-San located 629 kilometres from Bangkok. Due to the
large number of fascinating temples dotting the city,
Ubon is a place of pilgrimage at the beginning of Buddhist
Lent. Aside from the numerous attraction sites, festivals
and holidays are celebrated with a unique Ubon flair.
The province borders the Mekong River in the east and
features superb scenic view of Cambodia.
The province covers 15,517
square kilometres and is divided into the following
districts: Muang, Warin Chamrap, Det Udom, Buntharik,
Na Chaluai, Nam Yuen, Phibun Mangsahan, Khong Chiam,
Si Muang Mai, Trakan Phuet Phon, Khemarat, Mung Sam
Sip, Khueang Nai, Kut Khaopun, Tan Sum, Pho Sai, Samrong,
Sirindhorn, Don Mot Daeng, Thung Si Udom, Na Yia, Na
Tan, Lao Suea Kok, Sawang Wirawong and Nam Khun.
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The
Candle Festival is the largest religious ceremony
in Ubon Ratchathani. It is celebrated yearly on Asalha
Bucha Day and Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent) Day in July.
The ceremony is held at Thung Si Mueang and Chaturamuk
Pavillion. At night, there is entertainment to celebrate
the Lent candles. The reflection of lights on the candles
creates a picturesque effect during the festival.